The thought of fog simply puts the driver in distress. Reason? A foggy day actually spreads a thin layer of smoky blanket in the air thus reducing visibility. Even for a confident driver, commuting in the fog is no less than a challenge. It is best to avoid going out and driving during such times, till the fog actually clears. There are times when there have been various accidents during such times, due to poor visibility. It is just a myth that in fog-related accidents the drivers get away from their responsibility as they aren’t at fault. Even during fog, they ought to be double secured given the challenges coming up from them in terms of low visibility.
What exactly is the purpose of fog lights?
Fog lights car is designed to ease the drivers as they have a short but wide beam that touches close to the car. This magnificent engineering helps the drivers to see a bit ahead along with the edges of the road. In the process, it is important to mention front fog lights can cut through fog, mist, dust, or even rain, thanks to their position. They are placed at a lower position than the headlights. Yellow lights are preferred too.
Reasons for the fog lights to be placed at a lower position:
- The purpose of fog lights is to ensure that the road is visible. Considering the closeness of the beam to the road, it helps to see the drivers who have a comparably clear view of the road down there.
- fog lights car are mounted at a low position so as to make it easy for the oncoming drivers to have a clear view of the opposite vehicles. If placed high, that would literally make them blind.
If it is very important to go out during fog, then there are following tips to consider:-
Look for the speed that you drive
Do look for the speed that you are driving. Drivers usually miscalculate the speed while driving at such times, where they have to lower it for a safer journey.
Use low-beam headlights
High beam lights reflect the moisture droplets that the fog has, so it makes it more challenging to see. It is important not to go with high-beam headlights. Likewise, your tail lights should be properly working for other drivers to maintain a safe distance from you.
Maintain a greater driving distance
Driving on a normal day is far different than during foggy times. Since you need to be very alert given the gap you have to maintain. Along with operating foggy headlights, the distance has to be increased to at least 3-4 cars to make extra space to apply brakes in an emergency. Similarly, stick to your lane and patiently drive, and never ever think of overtaking in a fog. This can be dangerous.
Better than high-beam
Fog lights are designed to accommodate more visibility for the oncoming drivers as they cut through tiny drops of water or fog. Contrary to high-beam lights that help to see the farthest area of the approaching road during normal days, but they can actually make things very difficult during fog. So, fog lights help to see drivers comparably more clearly and offer the best decision that anyone can make.
Safety tip not to miss
It is important to be in alert mode when visibility is a challenge. So, look for any possible sound of the horn, engine or even approaching vehicle or tire coming closer. Such precautionary alertness can certainly make room for a few more seconds to react to save yourself from the approaching danger. Yes, those few critical seconds of reaction can be a blessing in disguise. Don’t think of playing podcast or radio during such a challenging phase since it will divert your mind and you will surely overlook those exterior sounds, that may make or break your journey.
Prevent accidents
Fog lights help the drivers to get a few seconds of more time while reacting to oncoming dangers. So, in the event of any approaching danger such as another vehicle crossing the road or any pedestrian walking too close to the main road, you have at least a few seconds to steer clear of the danger.
Conveniently operational
Mostly the fog lights are designed so that the drivers can manually turn them on or off, based on the need. So, the drivers can use them when required such as during the times when there is dust, fog, or rain. So, if you are driving in places with no fog, you can simply shut them off.
When the fog lights are best to be used?
Fog lights are to be used in the scenario when the visibility is less than 100 meters. They are primarily meant for the purpose of giving a slightly clear road down, as they are placed lower to the headlights.
Which color light is best suited for fog?
Yellow fog lights are suited for drivers to drive carefully in foggy or mist conditions. Such lights offer the most prominent reason to be used during fog, as they help the retina to develop more focus on the road, so viewing is comparably clear.
What are the different forms of fog lights?
Fog lights are available in two varieties in terms of halogen fog lights and LED fog lights. While halogen fog lights have been used over the years among vehicles, its new brother namely the LED fog lights are a new technological invention. They are designed keeping in mind the current needs of the drivers in the challenging foggy conditions as the air is laden with tiny drops of water. They offer a more visually captivating eyesight.
Final Thoughts
Finally, after going through the aforementioned post, it is clear that fog lights help ensure safety and visibility in hazardous driving conditions. They are sure to be mounted in the cars as an important auto part. Only use them when needed and also don’t forget to maintain them to ensure their long life.